like to hear some opinions from bike nerds on this one, looking for a bike for around £300... is this any good?thats a very nice reduction in price either way!

12th Sep 2010

Decent price for a decent branded entry level bike.

Good spec for the money and a half decent frame.

Will be doing well to get a significantly better bike for the same money.

Edited by: "konkywonky" 12th Sep 2010

12th Sep 2010

Its OK but nothing special.

Mountain Bikes are a bit old hat now imho

12th Sep 2010

Does well in the sub 400* MTB comparisons, so for 300 this is a steal. In the unlikely event you can find the 2009 at the same price go for that, as I think they reduced the spec and kept the price the same for 2010. *Edit sub 450 even

Edited by: "fluffy-k" 12th Sep 2010

12th Sep 2010

I've been looking at this bike, amongst many others, for the past couple of weeks.

My budget forever shooting from around 250 up to 1280 for my favourite Cube Reaction CR.

However I've now decided to get a 'cheaper' bike to help lose the weight - run to the ground (and learn maintenance etc)...before invest in a much more expensive bike.

The question is though - between the difference in cost- is there really enough worth of upgrades to justify the extra £200.

I've been favouring air forks (which the diamondback has) as I'm a bit of a porker now at 17stone.

Other than the forks, the main noticable difference is Shimano SLX parts and Quad QHD-1 Sting hydraulic brakes

Original Poster
Banned
12th Sep 2010

fluffy-k

Does well in the sub 400 MTB comparisons, so for 300 this is a steal. In … Does well in the sub 400 MTB comparisons, so for 300 this is a steal. In the unlikely event you can find the 2009 at the same price go for that, as I think they reduced the spec and kept the price the same for 2010.

I can't see anything better on the 2009 bike, in fact it only has mechanical disc brakes and not hydraulic like this model, the derailleurs also look lower spec and it doesn't have remote control lock out.....,I may have misseed something though....so which parts do you think are better on the 2009?

12th Sep 2010

Midnight Tboy

I've been looking at this bike, amongst many others, for the past couple … I've been looking at this bike, amongst many others, for the past couple of weeks.My budget forever shooting from around 250 up to 1280 for my favourite Cube Reaction CR.However I've now decided to get a 'cheaper' bike to help lose the weight - run to the ground (and learn maintenance etc)...before invest in a much more expensive bike.I'm currently between 2 at the moment.The Mongoose listed here, andDiamondback Apex http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/products.php?plid=m1b38s2p1886 which was £850 down to £500.The question is though - between the difference in cost- is there really enough worth of upgrades to justify the extra £200.I've been favouring air forks (which the diamondback has) as I'm a bit of a porker now at 17stone.Other than the forks, the main noticable difference is Shimano SLX parts and Quad QHD-1 Sting hydraulic brakes

I always thought that coil/oil shocks were better for porkies than Air shocks.

Decent deal for the bike though. I expect all the idiots who like £50 Tesco bikes will be on in a bit claiming its over priced though.

Original Poster
Banned
12th Sep 2010

Midnight Tboy....everything on that diamondback you posted is better than this....it's not really comparable to this deal....If you can afford it then buy it. Great forks for a bike of that price.

for budget mtbs look at wiggle and halfords (bizarrely, the boardman range are good at £500-£1000). maybe CRC and the other big retailers.

air forks are much less important if you're heavy. i use air because i'm so light, even the lightest springs on coil forks barely move..

12th Sep 2010

pfallan

Mountain Bikes are a bit old hat now imho

whaaa? o_0 ...mountain bikes are not a fashion accessory or ornamental trinket they are a tool. thats like saying light aircrafts are old hat, or spanners are old hat... Sir, i award you the internetz most worstest comment award. congratualtions you have won -10 internetz.

Edited by: "spaceinvader" 12th Sep 2010

12th Sep 2010

Midnight Tboy

I've been looking at this bike, amongst many others, for the past couple … I've been looking at this bike, amongst many others, for the past couple of weeks.My budget forever shooting from around 250 up to 1280 for my favourite Cube Reaction CR.However I've now decided to get a 'cheaper' bike to help lose the weight - run to the ground (and learn maintenance etc)...before invest in a much more expensive bike.I'm currently between 2 at the moment.The Mongoose listed here, andDiamondback Apex http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/products.php?plid=m1b38s2p1886 which was £850 down to £500.The question is though - between the difference in cost- is there really enough worth of upgrades to justify the extra £200.I've been favouring air forks (which the diamondback has) as I'm a bit of a porker now at 17stone.Other than the forks, the main noticable difference is Shimano SLX parts and Quad QHD-1 Sting hydraulic brakes

The diamond back is quite a bit better. Way better shocks, Tora's perform well but weigh lots compared to the competition, Suntour forks are usually really cheap, really heavy and really bouncy but I've not seen thes particular ones in the flesh.The DB also has a better drivetrain and better rims. Its just all a notch or two up which adds up to a nicer bike.

12th Sep 2010

pfallan

Its OK but nothing special.Mountain Bikes are a bit old hat now imho

Epic fail.

12th Sep 2010

interesting that you said coil shocks would be better for a porkie like me.

At the time I was looking at a Focus Killer Bee - and someone suggested that the Apex may be the better choice because of it being air instead of coil. They said that the coil forks could potentially feel too soft and bottom out and probably worth buying a firmer coil spring if did opt for the coil....whereas the air forks supposedly customisable based on how high they've been pumped (Bare in mind I haven't ridden a bike properly in about 17yrs so most of it is new to me lol)

slamdunkin.....while I have no doubts its a better bike....I'm a sucker when it comes to value for money...so in my own mind trying to justify the extra £200 if its less than the sum of the part differences alone etc....or whether I should use the cheaper option as a fatburner and use the 200 maybe a year or so down the line towards a better bike.

The bike I very nearly bought was this freeflowbikes.com/cub…asp which is 1500 on chainreactioncycles but only 1280 there. Cube bikes look fantastic and a boatload of high specs for the money, but during my past week of reading, I never realised that there was different 'types' of mountain bike other than rigid, HT and FS.....and that theres XC, trail, all-mountain, DH etc.

The cube probably isn't right for me as described more as a racer. I really want to a) be able to take slow leasurly rides with the 5 yr old along old traintracks etc, and bit of road use.....and also make the odd trip to Kielder and Hamsterley and do some tracks in my own time, and if I feel brave enough some very low drops (like 4foot at the v v most I'd be brave to do) so think something like these HTs may be more suitable

12th Sep 2010

by the way - if you're going to buy this Mongoose - buy it from their ebay store (not allowed to post links to their ebay store)....its cheaper for delivery (also quidco)

Original Poster
Banned
12th Sep 2010

Midnight....get yourself over to Bikeraidar and spend a few days reading a few threads from those in the know

heh yeah thats the site I've been on the last few days where they reckoned air vs coil for me.

I'm actually between 3 bikes now

This Mongoose Tyax eliet for pure valuethe Diamondback Apex for 500and this Rockrider 5.1 for 500 decathlon.co.uk/EN/…12/ which gets a v good writeup on bikeradar - but is coil tora instead of air tora...and sram x7 instead of shimano slx and Juicy 3's.

decisions decisions.......never thought buying a bike would be so hard Been like 2 weeks now that been looking!!! At least my budget has dropped from the 1.3k to a more sensible 500 for now

Original Poster
Banned
12th Sep 2010

why isn't the award winning Carrera Fury on your list?

I ride a kraken and it hasn't let me down yet....best sub £400 bike on the market IMO

Edited by: "slamdunkin" 12th Sep 2010

12th Sep 2010

I want a decent bike but have no idea what to get really. Have bene told cross is a good idea, will mainly be uising on cycle paths, not roads, some uneven surfaces not riding down , mountains or anything.

Really I dont have a clue or where to look when in comes to cars I am a lion with bike I am a cowards have no idea at all dont want to buy something crap or get ripped off....

12th Sep 2010

reason the Fury isn't on my list......if click on Halfrauds "check stock in my local store" it finds no halfords local that have any. If I then press to find the nearest town that actually have it, it says "We are very sorry, but no UK store currently has the item you require in stock" Otherwise the Fury would be a top contender

12th Sep 2010

Midnight - I bought the Diamondback 2 weeks ago from Pauls and I'm very happy with it. Any questions feel free to ask. Bear in mind I'm no expert, I'm just starting back into MTB's after 10 years off!!! The bikes it's replaced was a steel framed full suspension Baracuda.

The other contender I was looking at was the GT Avalanche 1.0 also from Pauls. However I'm glad I got the DB, its ace!! My only gripe is purely from a cosmetic point of view, I liked the GT better than the purple Diamondback. The forks are 130mm travel (I dont think this is noted anywhere)

Also the Diamondback logo on the diagnal tube is only printed on one side. Looks a bit odd but who cares when your actually riding the thing!!

Chris.

12th Sep 2010

Well after reductions and 6% quidco and the £10 voucher i had my kraken for £319

12th Sep 2010

Raleigh AT40 on a certain auction site being sold for £270 form Rutland, cracking deal (think might be £10 delivery)

12th Sep 2010

hyte1. Can I ask what size you went for for the Diamondback? I haven't found a specific Diamondback sizing guide yet.

I'm a midgies under 5 11 without shoes and 32.5" leg thereabouts as good as can try to measure while bending with a tape measure

Some sites seem to say that sort of height a 20" would be better - but most forums etc say prob better off looking at 16 and 18". I know these sizings vary from brand to brand - but I'm figuring the 18 would probably be better

12th Sep 2010

spaceinvader

whaaa? o_0 ...mountain bikes are not a fashion accessory or ornamental … whaaa? o_0 ...mountain bikes are not a fashion accessory or ornamental trinket they are a tool. thats like saying light aircrafts are old hat, or spanners are old hat... Sir, i award you the internetz most worstest comment award. congratualtions you have won -10 internetz.

I'd support your post if only your use of our wonderful language wasn't so awful!

13th Sep 2010

REDBULL2K7

Well after reductions and 6% quidco and the £10 voucher i had my kraken … Well after reductions and 6% quidco and the £10 voucher i had my kraken for £319

your krakens only so u can chase ure staffies around the estate lol

13th Sep 2010

Midnight - It took me ages to decide which to go for but I got the 20" in the end. Seems to suit me fine but to be honest you will probably be ok with the 18 too. I'm also 5'11 and about the same inside leg!

What's the Mountain Bike Replacement / Alternative then - Is there a new type of bike out ?

13th Sep 2010

Just bare in mind that this is a long bike, tried one and it was uncomfortable for me.Try before you buy if you can.

13th Sep 2010

Midnight Tboy

reason the Fury isn't on my list......if click on Halfrauds "check stock … reason the Fury isn't on my list......if click on Halfrauds "check stock in my local store" it finds no halfords local that have any. If I then press to find the nearest town that actually have it, it says "We are very sorry, but no UK store currently has the item you require in stock" Otherwise the Fury would be a top contender

Vulcan disc spec gets my vote - look at the reviews! I got one last week. My local store put the price of the V brake one on it and then I got 15% off and a £10 voucher so got a £400 bike for £225

Original Poster
Banned
13th Sep 2010

brj080402

Vulcan disc spec gets my vote - look at the reviews! I got one last week. … Vulcan disc spec gets my vote - look at the reviews! I got one last week. My local store put the price of the V brake one on it and then I got 15% off and a £10 voucher so got a £400 bike for £225

The Vulcan Disc spec was never worth £400 it's a £300 bike....you still got a bargain though at that price.

13th Sep 2010

slamdunkin

The Vulcan Disc spec was never worth £400 it's a £300 bike....you still g … The Vulcan Disc spec was never worth £400 it's a £300 bike....you still got a bargain though at that price.

I know there prices fluctuate and you're maybe right but good reviews and bikeradar etc see like a £500 bike the parts that are on it

13th Sep 2010

Midnight Tboy

Listen , don`t waste your money on these bikes, get the cube now. i know 100% you will not regret it, mountain biking is an amazing pass time, will change your life.

Original Poster
Banned
13th Sep 2010

Cube bikes are well known for having really bad paint...it flakes around the joints and scratches and chips on the slightest contact....shame really as they could be really good....if you do go for a cube wrap the frame in helicopter tape to protect it.

13th Sep 2010

slamdunkin

Cube bikes are well known for having really bad paint...it flakes around … Cube bikes are well known for having really bad paint...it flakes around the joints and scratches and chips on the slightest contact....shame really as they could be really good....if you do go for a cube wrap the frame in helicopter tape to protect it.

Good idea could apply to all bikes if you don`t want any scratches or chips

13th Sep 2010

Anyone else spotted a bargain MTB for up to £500?, I'm itching to buy a new one!.

13th Sep 2010

Any views on how this compares with the: specialized hardrock disc - recently on here for ? £299

??

Cheers

Original Poster
Banned
13th Sep 2010

foxcongo

Any views on how this compares with the: specialized hardrock disc - … Any views on how this compares with the: specialized hardrock disc - recently on here for ? £299??Cheers

This Mongoose has a better fork with more travel and lock out, it has 24 gears instead of 21 and sram x5 rear derailleur instead of the X4, it has hydraulic disc brakes and the spesh only has mechanical disc brakes, the wheels are double walled and not single....need I go on.

Edited by: "slamdunkin" 13th Sep 2010

13th Sep 2010

foxcongo

Any views on how this compares with the: specialized hardrock disc - … Any views on how this compares with the: specialized hardrock disc - recently on here for ? £299??Cheers

I got one of these in 2004, it's what I am looking to replace now, stil going well but I fancy a fresh one with interesting hydro brakes etc.. the hardrock was a great investment for me

14th Sep 2010

Is this the sweet spot then? £300?

I understand alot of entry bikes could be overpriced etc, so this isnt aimed to be a entry bike yet comparable in price? Local shops £250 bikes didnt even come with disc brakes... the rest doesnt mean much to me

Just for trying to get fit blahblah if I research I know it will take weeks and I will give up and never buy